Practically Classics Forum

Paul, is it a manual? Difficulty selecting gears on a manual is often clutch drag - may need adjusting/fettling.

Hi LB, yep it is a manual . Not sure how the clutch is adjusted? Will defo' find if the oil change improves things though, as off to UK with the van in tow on Thursday!

I don't know for sure, but I think it's a hydraulic clutch on these. These are often not adjustable, but I'd definately be wanting to check its operation, no leaks etc., check the slave cylinder/piston is doing what it should (moving far enough) when the clutch is depressed etc. Probably worth bleeding it through as well.

Cheers

To be fair both a low oil level and clutch drag can make reverse / first a bit of a pig to engage. If it slots in easily with the engine off, possibly more clutch drag, but you really need to be driving it to tell properly rather than just diagnosing by internet
If the oil needs topping up anyway, an oil change with fresh lube up to the correct level is a simple (If smelly if its using EP90!) one to start with.

Thanks, tis being done tomo' . Yes it is an EP I have bought. Total make. Of course being Volvo, they state ONLY their oil is good enough. Lots and lots of debate on the web over that. Redline seems to be one choice, tho if you add an 'EP' to the right spec, as I am it should be okay.

My theory is, that it's done 185k miles, it's probably 'winding down' to end of life the oil I am putting in isn't going to do a lot of damage ( if any) in the 'grand scale' AND long term if it runs and runs, I will be able to 'advise' the "only put Volvo oil" gang

Job done . The gears are notably quieter now. Gear change less notchy. I think this was another one of those things that slowly get worse & 'you' sort of get used to it as 'normal' .
Chris, the mec' also reckoned that the lower ball joint has too much play.............. that'll be the cause of a judder whilst braking that 'we've' had for the last few weeks then .

.... And 600 miles of towing later, we are at Calais (did stop over last night). Stopped again ready for the tunnel tomorrow.
Zeb never missed a beat

........ We are now in East Sussex, Horam to be precise. Very nice camp site too.

Bad news is that Zeb has thrown his toys out Rear outer bush (suspension) is shot. Lots of nasty clonking going on over bumps .

Paul240480 wrote:Bad news is that Zeb has thrown his toys out Rear outer bush (suspension) is shot. Lots of nasty clonking going on over bumps .

I recently replaced that bush on mine - if you'd like a few pointers the story and lots of pics is on my VOC blog here:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthrea ... oy&page=24

Read from post #240 onwards - hope that helps.

Cheers!

Thanks LB, Andynorthface on VOC already sent me back to your posts on the subject so had already re-read.

With whittling about the 600 hundred mile tow back to home next week, I bit the bullet and sourced a Volvo Indie only 17 miles away. This one: http://www.tivoliautoservices.co.uk/

They had the part in stock and due to my being on 'Hols' they told me to come right on down. Straight into a bay and 2 hours later the job was done. Fab service. I was allowed to stay and watch and chatted to the mec with a cuppa whilst the work was being done. And we took a 'tour ' under Zeb checking things out.

They even sourced some bits I needed, that I will take home and fit.

Wallet is empty, but mind is a rest, fab' service, can't praise highly enough.

Oh, the mec went for a test drive before handing Zeb over, his comment as he reversed into the bay, " what a nice runner and she's so clean " he also noted that he saw Zeb clock over the 185,000 on his 'blat'